Bizarre! Conor McGregor slams Justin Gaethje after old photo of the two goes viral.

McGregor at an event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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On a collision course with Max Holloway in his highly anticipated return to the world's most famous octagon, Conor McGregor has found interesting ways to insert itself into the new scenario of the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), especially after Justin gaethje shock the world by defeating Ilia Topuria at the White House and crown himself the new champion. In this context, after an old photo of the two fighters went viral on social media, the Notorious didn't waste any time and proceeded to mock the Highlight.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) last Wednesday (1), the Irishman made it clear that he did not remember meeting Gaethje, nor taking a picture with him. The image, clearly taken more than a decade ago, dates back to when McGregor was still competing in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) and pursuing José Aldo, a title which he would win at the end of 2015, by knocking out the Brazilian in just 13 seconds.

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“What the hell is this, guys? One of the fan pages posted this. I didn’t even know I’d taken a picture with this idiot. Back when I was destroying the 66-pound division, I didn’t even know who the hell Gack Eye was. I’ve been in this game for years, man. Hands like concrete blocks. ‘Gack Eye’ and ‘El Cockye’: two 70-pound bums,” McGregor declared, taking a jab not only at Gaethje, but also Ilia Topuria.

When Conor McGregor didn't know he took a picture with Justin gaethje 💀 pic.twitter.com/UhBFqsl7oH

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 1, 2026

Despite becoming a prominent name in the world's largest MMA organization shortly after his Ultimate debut in 2017, Gaethje had already made waves by becoming the champion of the former WSOF (now PFL) with an undefeated record. However, it was thanks to the media exposure from the company dominated by Dana White that Gaethje came to be recognized as one of the best fighters in the world.

McGregor returns to the UFC after a half-decade hiatus.

McGregor celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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The date of the rematch with Holloway coincides with the five-year anniversary of the injury that sidelined The Notorious from the sport for so long. In 2021, during the trilogy with Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 264The Irishman fractured his left leg at the end of the third round, becoming unable to continue fighting and losing by technical knockout. Since then, he has been involved in a series of controversies outside the octagon, including being convicted in a civil case for rape.